The NAL will maintain its traditional year-end Finals in six divisions - Children's Hunter, Adult Hunter, Children's Jumper, Adult Jumper, Pony Jumper, and the Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper - at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA, in October, while adding new West Coast Finals (in all divisions except Pony Jumpers) at the Las Vegas National Horse Show in Las Vegas, NV, in November.
Riders need not be members of the NAL to compete in the qualifying classes, but only members earn points toward the year-end finals. With the annual membership fee only $35, most riders join in hopes of earning a trip to Harrisburg or Las Vegas. The current NAL qualifying period began on September 1, 2010, and runs through August 31, 2011.
"This is a landmark year to be a part of the NAL," said Lloyd Longenecker, President of Ryegate Show Services, Inc., which administers the North American League. "Whether you live on the East or West Coast or someplace in between, we encourage you to join the NAL and start earning points so that we can see you at one or both of our year-end Finals!"
Through the end of January, Melanie Taetle of Atlanta, GA, and Omega D'Elle led the Children's Hunter Division,with 1,694 points. In second was Emily Weeks of Atlanta, GA, and Believe with 1,659 points. In third was Brynn Elliott of Atlanta, GA, and Any Wonder with 1,526 points.
In the Adult Hunter Division, Linda Seay of Murfreesboro, TN, led aboard Livingston with 1,384 points. Tied for second was M Stuart Landin of Richmond, VA, and Minden and Mindy Wurzburg of Memphis, TN, and Overseas; both with 867 points.
In the Children's Jumper Division, Christopher Johnson of Carmel, IN, led aboard Carmelita with 1,421 points. In second was Natalya Jarczyk of Orange Park, FL, and Frivole Des Pres with 875 points. In third was Abbie Ross of Wheaton, IL, and TNT with 846 points.
In the Adult Jumper Division, Heather Collins Villemarie of Estero, FL, and Livius led with 1,035 points. In second was Kirsten Tillotson of Roxboro, NC, and It's All About Me with 1,003 points. In third was Alissa Kinsey of Fort Myers, FL, and Grisset with 875 points.
In the Pony Jumper Division, Noah Buehler of Wall, NJ, and Porsche led with 164 points. In second was Lauren Attanasio of Douglassville, PA, and Rascal with 120 points. In third was Dagney MacTaggart of Old Greenwich, CT, and Spiderman with 90 points.
In the Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Division, Annastelle L. Cohen of Wellington, FL, led aboard Hojagergards Clinton with 1,390 points. In second was Jaime Auletto of Blackwood, NJ, aboard Claire with 1,075 points and in third was Olivia Jack of Fairfield, CT, aboard Valdez with 1,050 points.
For more information regarding the NAL series, including series specifications, current standings and a list of upcoming events, please call (717) 867-5643, email to [email protected] or visit www.ryegate.com.
ENDS